Sole, Dover – Atlantic Ocean

Dover Sole are a fast growing species of bottom fish, reaching a size of 70 cm and living up to 40 years. They are found from the North Sea south to northwest Africa and into the Mediterranean Sea. Dover Sole have a medium abundance overall, though population size varies between regions.

They are caught by a variety of fishing gears including bottom trawls and gillnets. Although bottom trawling is generally damaging to the seafloor, most Dover Sole, particularly around the UK, are caught in mud and sand habitats, which are relatively resilient to any damage. Bycatch from Dover Sole fisheries typically involves other fish that live on or near the seafloor like cod, gurnards and flounders.